Spain vs Argentina, 2026 World Cup Final: Meet the central referee Slavko Vinčić

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will officiate the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, marking a significant milestone in his 16-year career.

Vinčić, born in Maribor, Slovenia, became a FIFA international referee in 2010. He is now considered one of Europe's most prestigious referees. His notable assignments include matches in Euro 2020, the 2021-22 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, and the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final featuring Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

This World Cup final appointment adds to his extensive experience in major international tournaments, having also officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Vinčić has previously overseen matches involving both finalists. He has refereed five Spain matches, recording three wins and two draws, with no losses. For Argentina, he was the central referee for their group stage match against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup, a game famously won by Saudi Arabia.

In the current 2026 World Cup, Vinčić has officiated three matches: two group stage games, including Brazil versus Morocco (a 1-1 draw) and Algeria's 2-1 victory over Jordan, and a Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador, which Mexico won 2-0. In the latter match, he sent off Ecuador's Piero Hincapié for an interaction with Mexican player Santiago Giménez.

Vinčić's appointment to the World Cup final underscores his standing in the global football officiating community, adding his name to the list of referees who have had the honor of presiding over the sport's biggest match.